March 20 in KidQuest

When the paralytic and his friends came to Jesus, they expected healing. They wouldn’t have gone through all of that effort had they not. However, Jesus had a much grander plan in mind—one that was not about physical healing alone. Instead, He began with forgiving the man’s sins—all of the brokenness and inner pain.

We so often want to give God certain portions of our lives—the issues that might not hurt as much. We only want Him to heal the easy stuff. But when it gets down to the real struggles plaguing our hearts, it can be so easy to shy away from God, try to hide our sins, and try to atone for our sins with good works and deeds. Yet, no matter how much we try, we cannot hide our sins or conjure up forgiveness on our own. Only God has the authority to forgive sin.

We belong to a loving God who wants to be in every part of our lives. Though He detests sin, He hates the separation that sin causes between Himself and His people even more. He is willing to forgive, if we are faithful to ask.

We were created to live in community. Though it might be out of our comfort zone, accountability is one great way to facilitate asking God for forgiveness. Partner with one of the brothers or sisters in your faith community this week, and be vulnerable. Share and confess with one another where you are struggling, and intercede for one another in prayer. Make it a habit to pray for that person throughout the week. As the days pass, don’t forget to also share with your accountability/prayer partner where you are experiencing freedom and God’s victory in the struggles you discussed. Thank God—and praise Him—for His forgiveness and grace.